How To Clean a Silver Chain: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wearing silver jewelry can give your clothing a classic, put-together feeling. On top of being a phenomenal choice for everyday wear, silver jewelry has a unique luster that can help you stand out. 

When choosing the jewelry you'll wear each day, you'll probably want to select pieces that reflect your personality and quality. Unfortunately, dirty silver chains, rings, and bracelets might subtract more from your look than they add.

Explore how you can get your favorite silver jewelry looking in top shape with a few easy cleaning tips. Then, we'll talk about how to replace grimy chains with new, glowing pieces. 

What You Should Know Before Cleaning Silver

When you're about to clean your silver jewelry, you'll want to take note of its metal contents. You can determine the best way to clean your jewelry by getting this information.

For example, if your silver jewelry contains pure sterling silver, you may want to use a vinegar-based cleaning solution to remove heavy tarnishing. On the other hand, if your silver jewelry is another material such as stainless steel or silver-plated, you may want to use a more general method such as dish soap with water.

Steps for Silver Cleaning

In just a moment, we'll check out the various options you have for cleaning your silver jewelry to look good as new. The good news is that most options you have will be straightforward and won't use too many expensive products.

We'll look at more cleaning methods, but first, let's look at the easiest steps for cleaning silver or gold jewelry at home:

1. Add warm water and dishwashing liquid to a bowl, mixing until bubbles form. 
2. Let your silver jewelry soak in the bowl for 15 minutes.
3. Keep a clean soft-bristled toothbrush handy. Use the brush to clean the crevices and details of your jewelry.
4. Rinse your jewelry to prevent soap build-up.
5. Use a microfiber cloth to clean your silver pieces and restore them to their former glory.

Now, let's explore the other options you have for cleaning your favorite silver jewelry. 

Lemon and Olive Oil

This cleaning method can help add some shine to your silver. To try this cleaning option, mix a half cup of lemon juice with a teaspoon of oil.

Then, take a microfiber cloth and dip it into the lemony solution. Use the cloth to clean your jewelry, then rinse it off and enjoy its polished appearance. 

Baking Soda

You can also use baking soda if you don't have any olive oil or lemon in your kitchen. For this method, make a baking soda paste out of two parts baking soda to one part water. Mix it together until it's smooth, then use a cloth to rub it on your silver jewelry. Then, let it dry.

After the paste sits on the silver for a few minutes, you can rinse it off and dry it with a microfiber towel. Then, enjoy the look of clean silver jewelry.

Use Toothpaste

You can use the same paste that cleans your teeth to get your silver jewelry looking good as new for this method. Be sure not to use teeth-whitening toothpaste because it can be too abrasive. You should also avoid using toothpaste of any kind on silver-plated jewelry because it can be too harsh and cause dissatisfactory results. 

Use your soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste to scrub your silver jewelry for this method. Rub it all over, making sure to get into the cracks and hard-to-reach places. Next, rinse your silver pieces and lay them out to dry or use a microfiber cloth. 

Try Laundry Detergent

If you want to be extra, this method is for you. Line a bowl with aluminum foil and fill it with hot water. Then, add around a tablespoon of laundry detergent and agitate it in the water. Next, add your silver jewelry to the mixture and let them soak for several minutes.

After letting your silver jewelry soak, you can remove them, rinse them, and let them air dry. 

Cornstarch Method

This cleaning option will be similar to the baking soda method. Essentially, you'll want to create a cornstarch paste with three parts cornstarch to one part water. 

Pick up the paste on a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush and lightly scrub your jewelry. Then, rinse, dry, and wear.

How Do You Keep Silver Jewelry Clean?

After you buy a piece of jewelry, you'll want to make sure you get the most out of it. And let's be honest –– your jewelry won't look as great if it's dirty and losing its shine. 

After cleaning your jewelry, you can do a few things to keep your pieces looking phenomenal. First, ensure you don't leave them lying around in odd places. Losing your jewelry can cause it to become covered in dust and filth over time. However, keeping your favorite silver chains in clean storage can help ensure you know where it is and that it continues to look great.

We recommend keeping your CRAFTD pieces in the suede-style drawstring bag they arrive in. The bag’s fabric is carefully engineered to protect your pieces, while the drawstring allows for quick and easy access.

How Do You Know if Your Jewelry Is Pure Silver?

If you're shopping for new silver chains, you might be wondering how to distinguish real silver from other silver-colored jewelry. The main way you can determine the kind of silver you're working with is to check it for markings. 

If a piece of silver jewelry has a "925" marking, you can tell that it is sterling silver. The numbers stand for 92.5% silver, which is the percentage of authentic sterling silver compared to alloy metals. 

Another way to tell whether your silver jewelry is sterling silver is to test it with a magnet. Sterling silver is a precious metal, meaning it should have no magnetic properties. If your piece sticks to the magnet, you'll know it's got a heavy percentage of ferromagnetic material. 

How To Distinguish Cheap Silver Jewelry

Let's say you're shopping for jewelry second-hand, and you notice silver chains that look like your style. If they're chipping or the silver color is fading, you're better off buying new silver pieces. 

CRAFTD Silver Pieces to Upgrade Your Look

Are you ready to add new silver pieces to your look? Whether you want to stock up on classic chains or add a few personality pieces to your collection, we've got you covered.

Take a look at a few of our favorite CRAFTD silver chains and jewelry.

CRAFTD Cuban Chain

Everyone needs a reliable silver chain on deck. This staple accessory can elevate your weekday streetwear or accentuate your weekend night-out looks. 

One of the best chains you can have in your possession is a Cuban chain. Our CRAFTD Cuban chain is versatile, meaning you can wear it whenever and wherever. Sport it solo or pair it with other chains for a more eye-catching vibe. 

CRAFTD Iced Cross Necklace

We've already established that silver chains are timeless and classic. Once you've secured a few dependable silver chains, consider adding pendants to your jewelry. Pendants can help add a head-turning element to your look, causing people to look (and admire) your drip twice. 

One pendant we love is our CRAFTD Iced Cross Necklace. This piece features an iced-out cross –– one of the most iconic symbols in jewelry history. Wear this piece to show people you're the real deal. 

CRAFTD Connell Chain

Let's say you're already stocked up on heavier chains to wear with your streetwear. Maybe now you're searching for a minimalistic chain to complete your collection. 

Simplicity can be compelling. One straightforward chain that can expand your jewelry collection is our CRAFTD Connell chain. It's a stunning piece of jewelry to wear on its own or to pair with several chains to add dimension. 

CRAFTD Wheat Chain

Maybe you're getting into chains for the first time, and you want to make sure you have variety in your collection. If that's the case, varying the chains you wear each day can make a significant difference. 

Try wearing our CRAFTD Wheat chain on days when you're leaving the house in a hoodie and sweats. It's a nature-inspired piece that can upgrade even your most chill looks. 

CRAFTD Compass Pendant

Another pendant you can add to the mix is our CRAFTD Compass pendant. This piece is perfect for representing yourself and telling your story.

The compass design reflects your unique trajectory in life. Not everyone will get your mission or the means you choose to reach your goals, and that's okay. Wearing our CRAFTD Compass pendant can be your reminder that it's not just okay to follow your own path; it's admirable. 

Wear it with multiple chains for a look people will compliment. You can throw in a few statement rings and an earring to make a lasting impression. 

Jewelry That Doesn't Tarnish

When you're in the market for new chains, you'll want jewelry that lasts. At CRAFTD, we use premium 316L stainless steel, and our pieces will never tarnish, rust, or fade. 

Step out in silver that keeps its high-quality look for years. When you choose CRAFTD chains and silver jewelry, you can trust it to deliver every time. 

Sources:

How to clean Silver Cutlery [Easy Tips] | University of Southern California

Household Cleaning Brass and Copper | University of Tennessee

How to Clean Silver Jewelry in a Matter of Minutes | Better Homes & Gardens